LEARNING OUTCOMES

The course aims to provide to students an adequate knowledge of the theoretical approaches, of the analytical and conceptual schemes that characterize the discipline. The aim is to equip them with the indispensable tools to orient themselves in the complex events of international politics and to provide them with the first fundamental skills to face careers in diplomatic and international cooperation

AIMS AND LEARNING OUTCOMES

The main concepts and theoretical approaches learned during  the course have to be used by the students in order to better understand the basic dynamics of the international system. Concepts such as "anarchy" or "balance of power" and the main assumptions of the theoretical branchs of the discipline should make easier the identifications of the key players of international arena and the logic of their behaviours. In particular the aims of the course is to make better intellegible phenomena such as  the causes of peace and war, the development of the internatonal coperation, the functions  of international institutions, the nuclear deterrence etc.

PREREQUISITES

The students must be able, on the one hand,  to read and understand an academic article, and, on the other hand, to unravel the complex texture of international politics.

TEACHING METHODS

The course adopts a teaching methodology based on lectures (2 hours per each lesson), integrated with some specific seminars and workshops.

Teams code: 7547wwi

SYLLABUS/CONTENT

The course is divede in two parts.

In the first one will be examined the main concepts of International relations (anarchy, balance of power, bipolarism and mutipolarism etc) and the assumptions of the main theoretical approaches: Realism, Idealism, Marxism, Constructivism and Feminism. On this basis the essential and crucial aspects of international arena will be analysed: wars and its causes, peace and its foundations, mechanism of alliances, international organizations and institutions, non-state actors, diplomacy and international law, foundations of international cooperation ect.

In the second part preliminary notions of "Startegic Studies" will be illustrated. It includes the presentation of some of the most remarkable strategic thinkers (from Su Tzu to v. Clausewitz) and a overview of the recent evolutions of wars: from industrial wars to asymmetric wars.

RECOMMENDED READING/BIBLIOGRAPHY

 1) J. Ikemberry, J. Gieco, M. Mastanduno, "Introduzione alle relazioni internazionali", UTET, 2017.

2) G. Badialetti, G. Giacomello, "Manuale di studi strategici", Vita e Pensiero, 2016 (only limited  parts that will be indicated during the lessons).